Smart Food Pairings Can Help Your Body Absorb More Nutrients

Many people turn to vitamins and dietary supplements to meet their nutritional needs. But eating a varied selection of nutrient-rich foods can also support health, while pairing certain foods can help the body absorb more of what they provide.

Combining plant-based sources of iron, such as lentils or beans, with vitamin C-rich foods can improve iron absorption. Adding lemon juice to lentils or serving beans alongside peppers is a simple way to bring those nutrients together.

Dietary fat also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Adding a little olive oil to vegetables, for example, can support the absorption of some nutrients as part of a balanced meal.

These combinations are a way to make everyday meals more nourishing, not a replacement for treating a diagnosed deficiency. Supplements may still be needed in some circumstances, and anyone prescribed them should seek medical advice before stopping.